Lucy Wicks (Robertson, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to speak about the ongoing challenge of high petrol prices in my electorate. With around 30,000 commuters in our region, they often have daily reminders when they're driving along our local roads about the price differences in nearby markets. In 2015 we launched the Robertson petrol price petition because we heard the concerns of so many local residents. Since then, we've received around 1,000 responses, including comments such as, 'It's out of control,' with claims that petrol is around 30 cents a litre more expensive in one suburb compared to another. We've heard from local business owners and we've heard from people with chronic illness who've got no option but to purchase fuel at high prices.

Over the last three years, I understand the government has taken practical steps to give the ACCC the powers to investigate and, locally, we've kept fighting against high petrol prices on the Central Coast and fighting to put a spotlight, particularly, on petrol prices on the peninsula. Last week, I wrote again to the ACCC to request an update on this issue. I look forward to a reply.

Sadly, Labor's approach is full of stunts. The Labor candidate—along with the state member for Gosford, according to local reports—is encouraging locals to boycott local petrol stations. But, of course, with this stunt Labor will put local jobs at risk. I call on local residents to sign our Robertson petrol price petition and ignore Labor's empty, hollow stunts. (Time expired)